This book was immensely beautiful. I read it as a recommendation from Dear Author that addressed the subject of a hero with a learning disability. In this case, Jess had oxygen cut off to his brain at birth, and the result caused him to become simple-minded. I love how there's no pandering to him at all. The book examines everything from both the hero and heroine's points of view. She never feels pity for him, and there's a range of genuine emotions throughout the town regarding Jess and his role there. The moment when Jess and Althea are finally able to declare what they're feeling for each other is extremely beautiful, and I find myself going back to re-read that part a good number of times. This is such an excellent book, and I am very glad that I bought it.